Daniel Carter's decision to stick with New Zealand rugby has thrilled All Blacks coach Graham Henry although he warns against the overuse of the same "sabbatical" offer that has convinced the world-class first five-eighth to remain.

Carter has yet to outline his plans but he and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) have confirmed he will remain contracted to the union until at least the World Cup in 2011.

The 26-year-old appears set to spend the first six months of next year offshore, probably at a French club, in a rarely-used dispensation which will see him miss the Super 14 but still be eligible for All Blacks selection.

Confirmation of the sabbatical is expected within days, so Henry did not want to comment fully but he could not resist sharing his delight at the likelihood of having the brilliant playmaker at his disposal indefinitely.

"I think that's great news for New Zealand rugby," he said.

"We're just delighted that he's going to be in New Zealand for the majority of the time and it could be all of the time up to the next World Cup."

Henry praised the level-headed negotiations between the NZRU and Carter's agents following months of media speculation and the offshore riches on offer.

However, he is cautious about employing the sabbatical method to retain the majority of New Zealand players who may be considering overseas contracts.

"There needs to be a set criteria before a guy can apply," Henry said.

"Maybe a number of test matches, longevity in the All Blacks, that sort of thing.

"I don't think a guy having a couple of test matches goes off on a sabbatical the next year."

Carter, who has played 44 tests in his five-year All Blacks career, is reported to be weighing up offers from French giants Toulon and Toulouse.

He told The Press newspaper that playing for New Zealand remained his priority.

"For that reason I have decided to re-sign with the NZRU, ideally to 2011," he said

"If selected, I want to be part of a successful All Blacks World Cup campaign."

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew described the sabbatical negotiations as "complex".

The deal needed to "ensure income streams are clear and reasonable for both parties" and that commercial interests of both were protected.

"The concept is pretty simple - Dan Carter is staying on our books and has a period of time he can go away, very much like a sabbatical as with any other company."

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